IT finds a special mention in the Rajasthan Budget

JAIPUR, INDIA: This budget presented by Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje (who also holds the finance portfolio), echoed technology’s growing importance in all-round development of a state and its citizens.

In tune with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a digitally connected India, Ms Raje’s remarks on the IT sector revolved around establishing infrastructure  to support 4G roll-outs, Wi-Fi, deeper penetration of the video conferencing network and ATMs—especially in the hinterlands. To accomplish these, the finance minister also acknowledged the need for upgrades in the IT and e-governance policies.

Perhaps for the first time ever, the state government is contemplating using IT to analyse the impact of IT on the lives of the citizens, before drafting more related policies. If will utilize big data and analytics not only as an analytical, but also as a predictive tool for the same.

Meanwhile, on top on the chief minister’s agenda is the digital literacy program for which she announced an e-tuition initiative for residential schools and hostels under the social justice and women’s empowerment ministry; e-publications, strengthening IFMS and the development of a social media cell.

Taking into consider the state government’s promise of financial inclusion, the CM announced micro ATMs in 9,900 gram panchayats; 15,000 e-mitra kendras, video conferencing at all Atal sewa kendras, computerisation of the PDS system, the E-dharti programme and digitisation of DPR records.

Gauging the impact of technology on the social ecosystem, Ms Raje announced installation of CCTV cameras in 234 police stations, 22 district jails and others institutions, and E-library at the assistant director, prosecution offices as also connecting all the five jails with the courts via video conferencing.